Planning regular trips to the gym, eating a balanced diet, steering clear from smoking, drugs and excessive alcohol intake… these are impressive ways to get your life running on the racetracks of good health. Sadly though in this millennium, an unhealthy lifestyle is being blatantly and surreptitiously promoted. Some of unhealthy culprits are computer activities, network gaming, no-diet/exercise weight loss programs, and the over growth of nightclubs and coffee shops.

These things distract us from living healthily. They are the hurdles in the racetracks that are unavoidable; and are hurdles that need to be overcome. Luckily it isn’t difficult to spring from a hurdle as there are small healthy habits that oftentimes overlooked, nonetheless are actually big steps to better health.

Drink eight glasses of water a day. Water is a very important element for the processes of our vital organs. It regulates body temperature, serves as a lubricant, and regulates metabolism. Proper hydration results in clearer skin, a refreshed feeling, an energetic aura. BIG DEAL: Ample amounts of water in a day can actually suppress your food cravings; and in turn can help you steer clear from grabbing junk food.

Wash your hands properly. Correct hand care is the simplest solution in preventing communicable diseases. Proper hand washing involves cleaning the hands, nails, wrists, forearm and elbows. In fifteen seconds, you have the power to arm yourself against foreign microorganisms that may enter the body through dirty hands. BIG DEAL!!? YES. As several common diseases can easily be avoided. You can arm yourself against the flu, the common cold, gastrointestinal disorders, sore throats and many others simply by properly washing your hands.

Use sunscreen. The ozone layer’s got a big hole in it, and harmful UV rays of the sun are stronger than ever. A sunscreen with at least SPF 15 shields you from the ill-effects of UV-ray damage such as early signs of aging, sunburns and unhealthy tans. It is best if you can don wide-brimmed hats or use umbrellas in conjunction with your sunscreen. BIG DEAL:!!? YES. You lessen the risk of having skin cancer through this precautionary life habit.

Learn to relax. Reward yourself by relaxing! Try to give yourself a break for a job well done. Weekly time-offs are good stress-busters and can make you more optimistic in life. Know which activities relax you and treat yourself to a day off. BIG DEAL:!!? YES. This can be a very rewarding experience. This small habit is like a pat on the back for working extra hard. Result is, you become revved up and motivated for the following working days.

Eat Breakfast. Running late for work is the best excuse to miss out on breakfast. Never, ever do this. Manage your time properly so that you can eat breakfast on the table (and not while driving or walking). Make sure you get to gobble up from all the major food groups. BIG DEAL:!!? YES. Breakfast meals rev up your metabolism. Missing the most important meal of the day makes one sluggish and unfocused.

Wear comfortable shoes. You may not realize it, but your footwear plays a vital role in your life. It carries you! You walk with it, run with it, and it is important that you are comfortable with the pair you are wearing. It makes you stand while moving around your home and workplace without having to worry about ankle and foot pain or blisters. BIG DEAL:!!? YES. Wrong pairs of shoes can cause low back pain, the leading medical condition that makes most people miss work.

It is important to acknowledge these unsung habits because our smallest efforts to be healthy make us more driven to support a better lifestyle. Knowing these littlest things allows us to be aware that it is possible to be healthy in an unhealthy environment; that it is through the littlest habits that we make giant leaps to overcome the hurdles.

Want more simple and healthy tips or have some of your own you want to share? Come share them with others at Boomer Yearbook and become an advocate of healthy living!

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